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How three Arsenal youngsters fared against Reading

The League Cup provides Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger the perfect opportunity to give first team experience to the young guns at the club each year.

Against Reading at the Emirates on Tuesday night the home side made nine changes to the team that drew with Middlesborough in the Premier League on Saturday, as only midfielders Alex Iwobi and Mohamed Elneny kept their place. Surprisingly there was no start for striker Olivier Giroud with the Frenchman in need of regaining match fitness.

On what was a comfortable night for Arsenal with two goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, we took a look at three youngsters who impressed.

Jeff Reine-Adelaide played further forward. Credit: PA

Jeff Reine-Adelaide

Operating in the number 10 role behind striker Lucas, the 18-year-old forward looked lively, creating chances and having a few strikes on goal.
The young Frenchman linked up well with Alex Iwobi and double goal scorer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who played either side of him. Unluckily for him he was subbed on the hour-mark to make way for Olivier Giroud.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was in midfield. Credit: PA

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Alongside Elneny in a holding midfield position, the 19-year-old looked assured as he broke up play and distributed possession wisely. Still a raw player the teenager from Goodmayes in east London did his opportunity for a further run in this competition no harm and will be hoping to have boosted his cause with Wenger.

Alex Iwobi was one of the more experienced players on show. Credit: PA

Alex Iwobi

A regular in the senior squad at 20 years of age, Iwobi could be considered as one of the more experienced players in team that faced Reading. Lasting the whole 90 minutes the youngster could be pleased with his performance, especially following an underwhelming out against Middlesbrough. Playing on the left of an attacking three behind the striker the only aspect missing from his performance was a goal, as Iwobi aims to become more consistent for Wenger.